BART Strike Ends After Four Days

Bay Area Rapid Transit officials say they hope trains will be running at full service in time for the afternoon commute.

BART trains began running about 6 a.m. after a tentative contract deal capped six months of contentious labor negotiations and two strikes.

Train service wasn't restored in time to prevent many morning commuters from turning to alternative modes of transportation.

BART stations were emptier than normal Tuesday morning.

Negotiations resumed and a settlement was reached just two days after two track workers were killed in a BART train accident in Walnut Creek and a day after unions offered concessions on work rules.

BART general manager Grace Crunican said there would be no immediate announcements on the details of the contract while union leaders explained the agreement to their members.

(AP) The San Francisco Bay Area's main commuter train system and its unions have reached tentative agreement on a new contract, ending a crippling four-day strike.

Union officials announced the deal Monday night. It still requires approval from union members.

BART general manager Grace Crunican says trains would likely be running at full strength by the Tuesday afternoon commute.

BART is the nation's fifth-largest rail system, with an average weekday ridership of 400,000.

Workers walked off the job on Friday after talks broke down. Commuters endured jammed roadways and long lines for buses and ferries, as they looked for alternate ways around the region.

A BART statement says service will resume at 4 a.m., and that morning capacity may be limited.

The complete statement:

BART Announces Tentative Agreement with Unions

Service to resume at 4 am

BART General Manager Grace Crunican issued the following statement after BART and its two largest unions reached a tentative agreement on labor contracts, which will now be presented to employees for a ratification vote:

“We are pleased to announce that we have reached a tentative agreement with union leadership that will bring the trains back into service, starting tomorrow, while union members consider the agreement and vote on it.

“This is a good package for our union members while still allowing the District to make the necessary investments in our infrastructure. That investment is critical to the future of the Bay Area.

“We believe the tentative agreement will allow us to go forward with a commitment to working together. I won’t go into details about the tentative agreement. I will simply say it sets BART on a path of partnerships with union members and helps us to prepare for the future.

“This has been a long and difficult negotiation. I want to thank the union leaders, the mediators and the BART Board of Directors for the hard work that has gone into getting us to the tentative agreement.

“Our thanks to all of you in the public for your patience through this very difficult process.”